My left hand is under the lens supporting it so that eliminates the balance issue, at least for me.

TOF guy wrote:vbuhay wrote:I just noticed it (the 10 FPS) when inspecting the time stamp.I've read something like 9.3 FPS. But maybe it depends on the external battery you use. Which one you have ?I wonder how accurate my internal clock (exif time stamp) is...can't really tell since my time stamp only goes to Hour:Minutes:Seconds, no tenths of a second digit....As for my Battery, See pictures belowgot it from here...https://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-Dual-Fast-Charger-2-x-Battery-for-Nikon-EN-EL18-D4-D4S-D5/182362229560?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649I hope that it is not exceeding the rated voltage (the camera should have a voltage regulator).... I do not want to over stress the internal circuits which can overstress the mechanical parts and shortened its life...but so far I like it....

michaeladawson wrote:MrHollywood wrote:Put the 200-500 VR on WITHOUT the grip and the whole setup is front heavy and the same with the 70-200. The balance thing is very real and you'll fatigue faster with a less balanced rig, even if it's a little lighter.That's an opinion. Like I said, if it matters to you, go with it.It's not an opinion. It's physics. The only part that is opinion is whether the imbalance effects you.My opinion is not the same as yours. In fact I even use the 200-500 with the D7200, a smaller camera yet. Balance? Holding my left hand under the zoom ring, where I place it when shooting, the center of balance is towards the camera. So in my opinion adding a grip would make it even more unbalanced. I'll shoot without the grip, thank you.Do as you please.With smaller lenses it doesn't matter.But the grip adds ergonomic advantages, faster FPS, wireless remote control and much longer battery life.As I said in my post I use a grip WHEN I need the features the grip provides. For me, balance is not one of them. When I need FPS, longer battery life, etc. I'll put the grip on.Okay. Calm down. No one is forcing you to use a balanced rig.Rob

MrHollywood wrote:Carl Maiorino wrote:Same here...I don't buy into the "more balanced" claim either. They're hollow with all the weight in the camera, they feel very imbalanced to me. It's nice having the vertical release (but not necessary for me, even though most of my shooting is vertical) but the added bulk and weight is just a killer. My D800e and D600 feel so much more comfortable now, like they did when I first got them...Put the 200-500 VR on WITHOUT the grip and the whole setup is front heavy and the same with the 70-200. The balance thing is very real and you'll fatigue faster with a less balanced rig, even if it's a little lighter.That's a matter of opinion.Assuming the photographer adjusts his holding technique appropriately, balance can be just as good with a long lens on an "ungripped" camera.  Sure, it's heavy, but balance is fine.I was using a Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX HSM on an F100 back in the day, and it balanced fine.  So did an ungripped D810 with an AF-S 500mm f/4G VR when I used it hand-held last year to get shots like this:With smaller lenses it doesn't matter.But the grip adds ergonomic advantages, faster FPS, wireless remote control and much longer battery life.The Meike grip is a very sensible accessory for many. Yesterday I was shooting sculpture with the tripod and used the remote for almost everything.But I do shoot grip-less plenty of times. I like having options and access to everything my gear can do.Agreed.

briantilley wrote:MrHollywood wrote:Carl Maiorino wrote:Same here...I don't buy into the "more balanced" claim either. They're hollow with all the weight in the camera, they feel very imbalanced to me. It's nice having the vertical release (but not necessary for me, even though most of my shooting is vertical) but the added bulk and weight is just a killer. My D800e and D600 feel so much more comfortable now, like they did when I first got them...Put the 200-500 VR on WITHOUT the grip and the whole setup is front heavy and the same with the 70-200. The balance thing is very real and you'll fatigue faster with a less balanced rig, even if it's a little lighter.That's a matter of opinion.Assuming the photographer adjusts his holding technique appropriately, balance can be just as good with a long lens on an "ungripped" camera. Sure, it's heavy, but balance is fine.Good grief, guys...you ADJUST YOUR GRIP because balance is NOT fine. That means reaching further out, away from your body, which means extending away from the center of effort to get more leverage.With the more balanced rig you can keep your arms closer to your body, no need to adjust for the unbalanced rig. The grip/battery counterbalances, so less need to adjust.It's physics. You may have learned to compensate and even be comfortable, but that's not making the setup more balanced without the grip.My point here is that the unbalance remains.I was using a Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX HSM on an F100 back in the day, and it balanced fine. So did an ungripped D810 with an AF-S 500mm f/4G VR when I used it hand-held last year to get shots like this:With smaller lenses it doesn't matter.But the grip adds ergonomic advantages, faster FPS, wireless remote control and much longer battery life.The Meike grip is a very sensible accessory for many. Yesterday I was shooting sculpture with the tripod and used the remote for almost everything.But I do shoot grip-less plenty of times. I like having options and access to everything my gear can do.Agreed.Nice shot.Rob

MrHollywood wrote:briantilley wrote:That's a matter of opinion.Assuming the photographer adjusts his holding technique appropriately, balance can be just as good with a long lens on an "ungripped" camera. Sure, it's heavy, but balance is fine.Good grief, guys...you ADJUST YOUR GRIP because balance is NOT fine.That means reaching further out, away from your body, which means extending away from the center of effort to get more leverage.Good grief yourself.  On the 200-500mm for example, I put my hand where it needs to be (for me).  That is under the zoom ring.  The center of gravity of that lens is behind that location, towards the body.With the more balanced rig you can keep your arms closer to your body, no need to adjust for the unbalanced rig. The grip/battery counterbalances, so less need to adjust.Sure, you can keep your arms closer to your body if that's what you want.  But then your hand is not under the zoom ring.  Sorry, I don't work that way.  If it works for you fine.It's physics. You may have learned to compensate and even be comfortable, but that's not making the setup more balanced without the grip."Balanced" is not an absolute.  The "balance point" is an absolute.  If you want to hold the lens/camera combo at the balance point then the combo will feel balanced.  If one prefers to hold the lens someplace else (like under the zoom ring on the 200-500) it will be unbalanced.My point here is that the unbalance remains.Again, speak for yourself.

michaeladawson wrote:MrHollywood wrote:briantilley wrote:That's a matter of opinion.Assuming the photographer adjusts his holding technique appropriately, balance can be just as good with a long lens on an "ungripped" camera. Sure, it's heavy, but balance is fine.Good grief, guys...you ADJUST YOUR GRIP because balance is NOT fine.That means reaching further out, away from your body, which means extending away from the center of effort to get more leverage.Good grief yourself. On the 200-500mm for example, I put my hand where it needs to be (for me). That is under the zoom ring. The center of gravity of that lens is behind that location, towards the body.With the more balanced rig you can keep your arms closer to your body, no need to adjust for the unbalanced rig. The grip/battery counterbalances, so less need to adjust.Sure, you can keep your arms closer to your body if that's what you want. But then your hand is not under the zoom ring. Sorry, I don't work that way. If it works for you fine.It's physics. You may have learned to compensate and even be comfortable, but that's not making the setup more balanced without the grip."Balanced" is not an absolute. The "balance point" is an absolute. If you want to hold the lens/camera combo at the balance point then the combo will feel balanced. If one prefers to hold the lens someplace else (like under the zoom ring on the 200-500) it will be unbalanced.My point here is that the unbalance remains.Again, speak for yourself....with this back and forth! 😉 You guys have both made your points well.  Enough?! 😅

Carl Maiorino wrote:I do put a battery in the grip...they're too light to make a difference. For me the grip just adds too much bulk and shifts the weight balance uncomfortably.I thought so, it was just a joke I could not pass upon...........Best, AIK

Had the motor drives on my FM2s and the AA battery grip (sans shutter button) on my N80s. Then I got an F5 with the integrated vertical grip. My jump to digital was with the D90, which I shot for six year without a grip. I'm back to the D750, with the grip, that stays on all the time.

😀

Actually my hold on the camera and lens didn't change to acomodate a grip or to accommodate not having a grip.  My original point is that for me the grip makes the camera bulkier and heavier, pure and simple...that's physics too.

I didn't used to, but then a few years ago (2008, maybe?) I got a Canon Rebel XSi - it was way too small to hold comfortably without a grip.  I continued to use one on my 60d and now on my D610 - it came for free as part of a big sale in 2015.  The only time I take it off is when I know that I'll be using a tripod through an entire shoot - no need for any more weight there.

MrHollywood wrote:Carl Maiorino wrote:Same here...I don't buy into the "more balanced" claim either. They're hollow with all the weight in the camera, they feel very imbalanced to me. It's nice having the vertical release (but not necessary for me, even though most of my shooting is vertical) but the added bulk and weight is just a killer. My D800e and D600 feel so much more comfortable now, like they did when I first got them...Put the 200-500 VR on WITHOUT the grip and the whole setup is front heavy and the same with the 70-200. The balance thing is very real and you'll fatigue faster with a less balanced rig, even if it's a little lighter.With smaller lenses it doesn't matter.But the grip adds ergonomic advantages, faster FPS, wireless remote control and much longer battery life.The Meike grip is a very sensible accessory for many. Yesterday I was shooting sculpture with the tripod and used the remote for almost everything.But I do shoot grip-less plenty of times. I like having options and access to everything my gear can do.RobWhat is the"balance thing"?

Sagittarius wrote:MrHollywood wrote:Carl Maiorino wrote:Same here...I don't buy into the "more balanced" claim either. They're hollow with all the weight in the camera, they feel very imbalanced to me. It's nice having the vertical release (but not necessary for me, even though most of my shooting is vertical) but the added bulk and weight is just a killer. My D800e and D600 feel so much more comfortable now, like they did when I first got them...Put the 200-500 VR on WITHOUT the grip and the whole setup is front heavy and the same with the 70-200. The balance thing is very real and you'll fatigue faster with a less balanced rig, even if it's a little lighter.With smaller lenses it doesn't matter.But the grip adds ergonomic advantages, faster FPS, wireless remote control and much longer battery life.The Meike grip is a very sensible accessory for many. Yesterday I was shooting sculpture with the tripod and used the remote for almost everything.But I do shoot grip-less plenty of times. I like having options and access to everything my gear can do.RobWhat is the"balance thing"?You'll have to ask someone else. This is the forum where basic good technique and physics don't exist.Rob

MrHollywood wrote:Sagittarius wrote:MrHollywood wrote:Carl Maiorino wrote:Same here...I don't buy into the "more balanced" claim either. They're hollow with all the weight in the camera, they feel very imbalanced to me. It's nice having the vertical release (but not necessary for me, even though most of my shooting is vertical) but the added bulk and weight is just a killer. My D800e and D600 feel so much more comfortable now, like they did when I first got them...Put the 200-500 VR on WITHOUT the grip and the whole setup is front heavy and the same with the 70-200. The balance thing is very real and you'll fatigue faster with a less balanced rig, even if it's a little lighter.With smaller lenses it doesn't matter.But the grip adds ergonomic advantages, faster FPS, wireless remote control and much longer battery life.The Meike grip is a very sensible accessory for many. Yesterday I was shooting sculpture with the tripod and used the remote for almost everything.But I do shoot grip-less plenty of times. I like having options and access to everything my gear can do.RobWhat is the"balance thing"?You'll have to ask someone else. This is the forum where basic good technique and physics don't exist.RobI think they do. Where do you put your hand holding the 200-500 lens?

Sagittarius wrote:MrHollywood wrote:Sagittarius wrote:MrHollywood wrote:Carl Maiorino wrote:Same here...I don't buy into the "more balanced" claim either. They're hollow with all the weight in the camera, they feel very imbalanced to me. It's nice having the vertical release (but not necessary for me, even though most of my shooting is vertical) but the added bulk and weight is just a killer. My D800e and D600 feel so much more comfortable now, like they did when I first got them...Put the 200-500 VR on WITHOUT the grip and the whole setup is front heavy and the same with the 70-200. The balance thing is very real and you'll fatigue faster with a less balanced rig, even if it's a little lighter.With smaller lenses it doesn't matter.But the grip adds ergonomic advantages, faster FPS, wireless remote control and much longer battery life.The Meike grip is a very sensible accessory for many. Yesterday I was shooting sculpture with the tripod and used the remote for almost everything.But I do shoot grip-less plenty of times. I like having options and access to everything my gear can do.RobWhat is the"balance thing"?You'll have to ask someone else. This is the forum where basic good technique and physics don't exist.RobI think they do. Where do you put your hand holding the 200-500 lens?I hold it by the very front with my palm against the glass and my pinky under the tripod screw.Done here, kids.Rob

MrHollywood wrote:Sagittarius wrote:MrHollywood wrote:Sagittarius wrote:MrHollywood wrote:Carl Maiorino wrote:Same here...I don't buy into the "more balanced" claim either. They're hollow with all the weight in the camera, they feel very imbalanced to me. It's nice having the vertical release (but not necessary for me, even though most of my shooting is vertical) but the added bulk and weight is just a killer. My D800e and D600 feel so much more comfortable now, like they did when I first got them...Put the 200-500 VR on WITHOUT the grip and the whole setup is front heavy and the same with the 70-200. The balance thing is very real and you'll fatigue faster with a less balanced rig, even if it's a little lighter.With smaller lenses it doesn't matter.But the grip adds ergonomic advantages, faster FPS, wireless remote control and much longer battery life.The Meike grip is a very sensible accessory for many. Yesterday I was shooting sculpture with the tripod and used the remote for almost everything.But I do shoot grip-less plenty of times. I like having options and access to everything my gear can do.RobWhat is the"balance thing"?You'll have to ask someone else. This is the forum where basic good technique and physics don't exist.RobI think they do. Where do you put your hand holding the 200-500 lens?I hold it by the very front with my palm against the glass and my pinky under the tripod screw.Done here, kids.RobThat is all you can say? Not much.

where ever i go for wildlife photography there will usually be between one and five other photographers at each location.  Very rarely do I ever see anyone use a grip.  I’m talking at least 50 outings a year minimum.  I had one on my 610 but didn’t see the need for all that extra size.

Sagittarius wrote:That is all you can say? Not much.Maybe what Rob means is that  zooming in or out with the 200-500 attached while shooting in portrait orientation is much less easy w/o a grip.In which case I totally agree with him, possibly because I have rather small hands.

nuke12 wrote:I've only bought grips if I've found the body too small. I remember the D5100 drove me nuts until I bought a grip. I find the bodies of the D8xx series to be the perfect for me and I run them with without any grip.I'll never understand the mirrorless drive for small bodies. Less weight would be fine. I have the Nikon 1 V2 and it's a fun little camera but the small body drives me nuts. I'm all the time hitting the wrong buttons.There are different mirrorless cameras, the Panasonic GH series feels/ handles and looks like a DSLRNot like the poor ergonomics of the Sony A seriesI have the GH4 and GH5 cameras with grips, that brings them up to 1kg weigh, about the same as my D800 and D850 without grips.The battery life is doubled and you get the controls for portrait mode.If Nikon where to build a mirrorless camera they should do it like the GH-series but FF .For my D800 I never got a grip , it wasn’t a high speed or tele camera.For the D850 I’ve gotten the OEM gripThe grip feels more dense with the EN-EL 18b battery in it compared with the EN-EL 15/C-M